The RCMP has officially closed its investigation into the devastating landslide that struck Lions Bay, British Columbia, in December 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of two local residents. Authorities have determined that the evidence does not support the filing of any criminal charges in connection with the incident.
Investigation Findings and Civil Lawsuit
In a statement released by RCMP Sgt. Jeff Shore, it was confirmed that the thorough probe into the landslide has been completed. "Our investigation into this tragic incident has been completed," Shore stated, emphasizing that no criminal wrongdoing was identified based on the collected evidence.
This decision is distinct from an ongoing civil lawsuit initiated by the children of the victims, Barbara and David Enns. The lawsuit, filed in April 2025, targets the Province of British Columbia, the Village of Lions Bay, and a local landowner, Steven Vestergaard. It alleges negligence and wrongful death, claiming that construction activities above the Enns' property contributed to the slope failure.
Details of the Landslide and Legal Claims
The catastrophic event occurred on December 14, 2024, when intense storms battered the region, unleashing heavy rainfall that triggered a massive landslide of rocks, trees, and mud down Battani Creek. The Enns' home at 6 Glendale Avenue was completely swept away, leading to their untimely deaths.
The civil suit specifically points to modifications made by Vestergaard to his property as a potential cause or contributing factor to the disaster. According to the legal documents, the slide originated just below a reservoir located on Vestergaard's land.
In response, Vestergaard has defended his actions, noting that he invested approximately $400,000 in remediation efforts. He provided documentation to media outlets showing that work ordered by provincial authorities to mitigate slope failure risks was certified as "satisfactorily completed" by a professional geoscientist in 2015.
Vestergaard further asserted that provincial engineers attributed the landslide to natural causes, describing it as an "act of God." The defendants in the lawsuit, including the province, have denied liability, maintaining that the incident was unforeseeable and resulted from extreme weather conditions.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The landslide not only caused personal tragedy but also disrupted local infrastructure, necessitating repairs to Highway 99 in the aftermath. The community of Lions Bay continues to grapple with the emotional and environmental repercussions of the event.
As the civil lawsuit progresses through the courts, it raises important questions about land use, regulatory oversight, and accountability in the face of natural disasters. The outcome may influence future policies and practices related to slope stability and construction in vulnerable areas.
The RCMP's conclusion marks a significant step in the official response to the landslide, though the legal and emotional ramifications are far from over for the affected families and the wider community.
